It is the oldest publicly accessible cave in Slovakia, with recorded tours dating back to 1846.
The cave walls contain historical graffiti, some of which feature dates from the 15th century left by monks from the Jasov Monastery.
It serves as an important hibernation site for 19 species of bats, including the Lesser Horseshoe bat.
The cave was formed by the underground activity of the Bodva River flowing through the karst landscape.
Archaeologists discovered a rare bronze hoard and evidence of human settlements spanning from the Neolithic era to the Middle Ages inside the cave.
Jasovská Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage site located within the Slovak Karst, featuring a complex multi-level subterranean system carved by the Bodva River. It is notable for its significant archaeological finds, including evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age human habitation. The cave system is renowned for its diverse dripstone formations, including pagodas, waterfalls, and distinct sinter curtains. A significant portion of the cave's inner corridors is inhabited by protected bat species, with 19 species identified in total. The tour route covers approximately 720 meters of the total 2,811-meter length of the accessible karst system. Visitors can observe historical inscriptions carved into the cave walls by monks from the nearby Premonstratensian monastery dating back to the 15th century.
The Great Hall (Veľký dóm), where the spacious chambers and impressive dripstone formations are most clearly visible.
Bring a light jacket as the temperature inside remains consistently between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius year-round.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the limestone walkways can be slippery due to constant moisture.
Check the official Slovak Caves Administration website for current tour availability, as heavy rain can sometimes trigger temporary flood closures.
Do not attempt to explore beyond the marked visitor path; the cave system is complex and portions are restricted for biological conservation.
Closed on Mondays throughout the operating season and during the entire month of December.
Touching the stalactites is strictly prohibited to preserve the fragile mineral formations. Flash photography is forbidden to protect the cave's bat population.
